Baseball Tri-Weekly: September Cover 2008

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Read the 2008 Playoff Preview

Stolen Season
Conor Intabedd; Reno Weekly Rag writing for Baseball Tri-Weekly


"Can you imagine a crazier situation in the final week of the regular season where all six teams have already clinched playoff spots? I doubt you can," those were the words from Quebec City GM Pat Renaud prior to the Week 22, and just about every other playoff GM must have agreed. Going into the final week of the regular season the only thing that was clinched besides playoff invitations was the Western Division trophy. No seed was safe. No bye had been clinched.



There were plenty of long shots, most Involving the Las Vegas Doggs. They could have had a chance at the Eastern Division crown if Rakeville had faltered against Arlington, but that didn't happen, as the Rockets beat Arlington for the seond time this season by the score of 6-1. More importantly, they could have catapulted themselves to the number 1 seed over both Bridgewater and Quebec City. They needed to beat Bridgewater, and beat them badly. A 9-0 score or better would have jumped them over their division rival and possibly dropping the Weasels down to 3rd place, a seed Weasels' fans couldn't have fathomed being in since Week 5.

"We knew we had a shot at it going in and we knew it would be tough, but we had the squad to do it and with our recent momentum we knew there was a strong possibility we could take it," Doggs' third baseman David Wright was quoted as saying prior to the Doggs-Weasels match up in Week 22.

The Doggs ended up putting up a 9-1 win over Bridgewater, a half a point below their target, leaving them a half game behind the Weasels in the regular season standings. Jimmy Rollins' 7 stolen bases against Doggs' pitchers was the key, and Doggs' newest starter Ricky Nolasco knows it. "He stole 3 on me this week. It was embarrasing. He just knows how to take advantage of situations and make you pay for not paying attention," Nolasco said in a recent press conference.

Not was all lost for Las Vegas as they also had the chance to jump over Quebec City in the standings, thus clinching themselves a 1st round bye in next week's playoffs. This was also a long shot sicne the Piglets had already beaten team Shaddupu in Week 11 by the score of 9-1, not giving the Doggs' too much confidence in a Weymouth squad that had traded one of their biggest bats since that match up.

Going into the final 3 hours of play in Week 22, the Doggs sat a whole point over the Piglets and all the Doggs were ready to start their week vacation. Quebec City starting catcher Russ Martin was ready to ruin the Doggs' party. In his first at bat he singled, stole 2nd, and then scored on a Justin Morneau double. That single at bat brought the Piglets above the Doggs by a half a game. Luckily for the Doggs, Stephen Drew got a timely 2 out single later that game, taking away a point from the Piglets and bringing the Doggs a half point above the Western Division champions, and that's how it ended.

"It was a wild ride from our persepective. Everyone was in the locker room glued to the television. All we cared about was Russ and Drew. No one else mattered. When Drew hit that single and Martin struck out the whole locker room exploded. Most of us had already booked flights home to see our families, thinking we had a week off, so if we lost out on that bye we would have been pretty upset. Needless to say, we were pretty relieved," Doggs' outfielder Adam Dunn told KDOG in a post-game interview.

The top three teams ended up finishing a half a game behind each other, with the Weasels netting the top seed, Las Vegas finishing second, and Quebec City dropping down to 3rd, forcing them to face off against Weymouth in a rematch of their regualr season finale. The Piglets won both of the regular seaosn match ups against Shaddupu by a combined score of 14-4.

Bridgewater end up facing off against the winner of the Rockets-Green Monsters first round match up, while the Doggs will face the winner of the Piglets-Shaddupu rematch.

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2008 Playoff Preview

Not many expected to see Quebec City in the first round of the 2008 playoffs, as the dominated along with Bridgewater for most of the season, but Las Vegas forced the Piglets into a first round rematch with their Week 22 opponent Weymouth, a team they've faced plenty of times in previous playoff appearances.


2008 EHCC Playoff Preview By Max Powers of EHSPN writing for Baseball Tri-Weekly

Going into the final week of the season everyone knew who would be playing for a chance at the 2008 EHCC championship but no one knew who exactly they'd be facing off against. Now that it's finally all settled, let's take a look at the match ups that present themselves and who will come out on top.

Round 1

(3) Quebec City vs (6) Weymouth

Quebec City is has been tattered and tortured over the last week or so. Injuries have plagued their infield, taking hard hitting third baseman Evan Longoria and EHCC All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler of of the Piglets' line up. Even with the injuries, the Piglets managed a 5-3 win over Shaddupu in Week 22. That along with their decisive 9-1 victory in Week 11, and the first round home field advantage, makes them the clear favorite in this first round match up.

Weymouth, who contemplated dismantling their entire squad at the trading deadling, lost some big production when they traded away long time outfielder Manny Ramirez to Rakeville. With all the pressure on Ryan Braun and Josh Hamilton to keep the Weymouth offense on top, it should be a long week for team Shaddupu.

The Piglets have not lost to Weymouth in the playoffs since 2004, and have never lost in the first round of play against team Shaddupu. This will be the third straight year that the two teams have met in the first round of the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Records
Quebec City: 3-6 (2-1 vs WEY)
Weymouth: 12-3 (1-2 vs QC)

Prediction: QC 7, WEY 3

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(4) Rakeville vs (5) Winston-Salem

Rakeville earned themselves the Price Trophy last week, and deservingly so. They had been a formidable match up for any Eastern Divisional rival in 2008 and now they hope to bring that domination into the playoffs. The Rockets have everything going for them: momentum (they've won their last 4 match ups of the regular season by a combined score of 28-7, including a 9-1 win against top seeded Bridgewater and a 6-1 victory in the final week against the defending EHCC Champion Arlington Warriors), experience (the Rockets have only missed the playoffs once since the EHCC was created in 2001), and production (sat in the top 5 of four of the five offensive categories in the 2008 regular season). Chase Utley and company will need to compensate however for the ailing Rockets' pitching staff. With ace Josh Beckett and closer Billy Wagner on the shelf, look for starter Roy Oswalt to return to form and help set the example in the first day of play for the rest of the staff.

Winston-Salem's offense has been streaky all season. One week they seem like they'll be unstoppable against any opponent and others they seems as though they're all taking the week off. They'll have to turn it on this week if they wish to stay competitive against a strong Rockets' line up. Grady Sizemore and Carlos Quentin are the strong point in their line up and should provide the Monsters with the fire power they'll need to stay with Miguel Cabrera and the rest of the Rakeville bats. The Monsters will have to take advantage of the ailing Rockets' pitching staff this week. With Zack Grienke being their only scheduled two-start pitcher, they will have to rely of finesse to push past the first round.

This is the Monsters' third trip to the EHCC playoffs since being introduced to the league in 2004 and first since 2005. They have never made it past the first round. Rakeville has made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs in each of the past 3 years. Rakeville and Winston-Salem have never faced off in the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Records
Rakeville: 2-5
Winston-Salem: 0-2

Prediction: RAK 6, WS 3

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Round 2

(1) Bridgewater vs (4) Rakeville

Bridgewater has dominated all season. They've beaten every team in the league at least once (most of them twice) with the notable exception of Rakeville. They've faltered down the stretch, coming close to losing their number 1 seed to Las Vegas, but pushed through and should face off against the Rockets in the second round of play. The Weasels didn't sit on top of any single category this season, but overall were very well-rounded. Their bats came alive at opportunistic times during the season and, with the exception of starter Chien-Ming Wang, their arms in their rotation have been durable enough to endure the long season. They showed chinks in their armor in the final few weeks of play, faltering against two playoff teams (Las Vegas and Rakeville), and they'll be hoping that their poor play doesn't carry over into the playoffs.

Rakeville has done well against Eastern Division opponents all season and Bridgewater is no exception. They have not lost to them in their two match ups during the regular season, a statistic they won't be looking to change in the playoffs. Their pitching staff hasn't been as dominate as past seasons but should be able to hold off the majority of the Bridgewater hitters especially with three scheduled two-start pitchers, while Rakeville bats should be swinging away at a rusty Bridgewater staff that will have a week off before facing off against the Rockets' potent lineup.

The same match up came about in the 2005 season, with the seeds being reversed. Bridgewater, then the 4th seed, upset the Rockets, who were dominate all throughout the regular season. Look for a similar outcome this year.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round predictions)
Bridgewater: 6-7 (1-1 vs RAK)
Rakeville: 3-5 (1-1 vs BRW)

Prediction: RAK 5, BRW 4

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(2) Las Vegas vs (3) Quebec City

The Doggs are the story of the second half of the season. They ended up making up enough ground to push them from 8th place to 2nd by the end of the regular season, giving them the 1st round BYE all Doggs' fans thought they needed. The Doggs have made the playoffs every season since the EHCC was created but both of their championships came when they had a 1st round bye. Going into the playoffs, the Doggs have been arguably the best team in the league, defeating 10 of their last 11 opponents by a combined score of 73-23. Their only loss in that time coming at the hands of a 8-2 beating by Winston-Salem in Week 18. They stand in the top 5 of every offensive category, including top honors in Home Runs and RBI, and second in Runs and Stolen Bases. Their resurgent pitching staff has helped catapult them into the conversation of most improved staff since the beginning of the season. They ended the season with a top three finish in each pitching category except total Wins, where they finished in the middle of the road (6th). Many feel that the week off will hurt the Doggs' momentum but the players have all stated that they'll use the time off wisely.

Quebec City, hurt the most by the Doggs' second half domination, lost out on the first round bye but should find themselves an opportunity to avenge themselves in the second round against Las Vegas. The Piglets' pitching staff, the best in the league, should have little trouble against Doggs' hitters. The problem will arise if/when the Doggs' decide to bring in multiple free agents specialists to battle against the Piglets' dominate staff. The Piglets' hitters will have to step up against the Doggs' pitchers, an area that many feel as though the Piglets are simply just overmatched. If the Piglets are to win this match up they'll do it on the mound.

The Piglets have only made it to the final tound once since being brought into the EHCC in 2002, while the Doggs have been to the finals 3 times, winning the EHCC crown twice, both times with the first round bye. Quebec City and Las Vegas have never met each other in the playoffs.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round prediction)
Las Vegas: 7-5
Quebec City: 4-6
Prediction: LV 7, QC 2

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2008 EHCC CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

(2) Las Vegas Doggs vs (4) Rakeville Rockets

These two teams, the top two teams in the East, are probably two of the most evenly matched teams in the EHCC. Both teams finished the regular season by winning their final four match ups. Both organizations have plenty of playoff experience. Both have above average hitters and rotations. This should make for an entertaining two weeks to say the least.

Las Vegas may have the edge in a tie breaking situation, finishing a whole 0.30 points above the Rockets in team ERA in the regular season.

The Doggs and Rockets have met twice before in the post-season. In 2003 the 3rd seeded Doggs defeated the 6th seeded Rockets in the 1st round of play. In the second round, Las Vegas was then beaten by a far superior Weymouth club who went on to win their 3rd straight championship. In 2006, 1st seeded Las Vegas defeated 4th seeded Rakeville in the second round on route to their second EHCC title.

According to my previous predictions, the 2008 playoffs look a lot like the 2005 version, with the number 2 seed facing off against the number 4 for the championship. I can't see it finishing off much differently.

Overall Playoff Record (including 2008 previous round predictions)
Las Vegas 8-5 (2-0 vs RAK)
Rakeville: 4-5 (0-2 vs LV)

Prediction LV 6, RAK 4 MVP - David Wright (3B-LV)


Disagree with Max Powers' predictions? Post your own on the comments page.

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Rakeville Times: Eastern Excellence

Chase Utley makes the final out to seal the Eastern Division title for the Rockets. Rakeville now heads into a tough playoff matchup with the Price Cup in their dugout.



Eastern Excellence
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

The Rockets are the best team in the Eastern Division, but you’d have a hard time convincing Rakeville fans of it. After a turbulent season that saw the best pitching staff in league history collapse, a prestigious head coach fired and a year long battle to keep the entire squad healthy, the Golden Arms in the bleachers would have been happy just to make the playoffs. Instead, they are proud holders of the team’s second Price Cup.

The crown is not undeserved. It was hard to argue that Rakeville was one of the best teams all season long. They ran into trouble, but no team handled injuries and underachievement better. While they didn’t have the initial success of Bridgewater and Quebec City, nor the hot streak that propelled Las Vegas, they grinded out win after win against tough Eastern Division opponents. No one could have predicted Bridgewater’s late-season collapse after their meteoric start, but Jack Reed did all he could to put his club into hunt.

“I had thought the Price Cup was lost to us,” said Reed. “Every season we build our team to be the best in the East, but after losing to Weymouth a month ago, My staff and I began focusing solely on the EHCC playoffs.”

Rakeville then went on to sweep their last three division opponents, including the Weasels with a decisive 9-1 win in week 21. After tying Bridgewater earlier in the season, the Rockets had the tie breaker if fate was on their side.

“It just snuck up on us,” said Gavin Floyd, who supplied two wins in the final game of the season. “After we beat Bridgewater, Coach Fuller said we had a chance to do something special. We had a team meeting before our flight to Arlington and decided to win.”

A 6-2 win against Arlington and a Bridgewater loss to Las Vegas sealed the deal.

“The East is full of tough teams,” said Reed. “It seems like our team has always gotten up for division games. This year is a perfect example.”

Critics suggest Rakeville’s success in the East has a lot to do with the strategy implemented by former manager Tom Seaver at the start of the season. Rockets players seemingly took off games against western conference teams. In arguably a weaker division, Rakeville stumbled.

“I’m not going to speculate on what Tom’s plan was heading into the season,” said Manager Justin Fuller. “He never indicated that he placed more importance on Eastern Division games. I did question his use of the bullpen at times, and I could see why some might think he mailed in Western Division games to keep players fresh, but I don’t think it affected our standing in the EHCC.”

Whatever the methods, the Rockets are now the proud owners of their second division crown in four years. They now prepare for a difficult first round matchup against Winston-Salem, a team that bested them twice in the regular season.
“There is no easy road to the EHCC championships this season,” said Fuller. “Teams that we though would be a sure-fire champ have faltered, and low ranked teams now have a history of success. The playoff pool is too deep to predict.”

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Peoria Free Press: Lights Out - Cliff Lee

From Castaway To Consistency, Peoria Ace Cliff Lee Has Catapulted Himself Into The Conversation








Lights Out - Cliff Lee
By Rey Bingo, Peoria Free Press

The transformation that is Cliff Lee’s career has been astonishing, even for the Peoria brass. “When we picked him up a few weeks into the season we expected his veteran presence to help our young talent,” said Cardinals GM Dave Grubb. “The comeback season that has ensued is straight out of a Disney movie.”

It was just one year ago that Lee found himself unable to keep up with EHCC lineups, ultimately landing him in the unemployment office. As Peoria entered Spring Training prior to the 2008 season, it was clear that the team was determined to start improving a pitching staff that finished near last in every category in 2007. With the emergence of Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and Shaun Marcum, the Cardinals pitching staff stormed out of the gate but remained young and inexperienced. The Cardinals front office made the decision to take a chance on Cliff Lee, and have gotten so much more than they could have ever dreamed.

“Initially we thought Lee would be a great asset to our future aces, but we never dreamed the impact road would be a two-way street,” explained Peoria pitching coach Danny Graves. The fact that Lee has been able to ingest the youthful and carefree spirit of Peoria’s young arms has been the key to this Control King’s turnaround. “Prior to this year I felt as though if I wasn’t perfect one night that I would need to go out and prove my abilities the next time out, but being around these youngsters has allowed me to breathe easy and reminds me there’s always tomorrow. I no longer take my last start with me into my next start,” explained Lee on his change in mindset this season.

Throughout the month of July, Lee’s name was swirling in multiple trade rumors. While this distraction may have knocked the Lee Express off course in previous years, the now more at ease Cliff Lee continued rolling; collecting 6 wins with an ERA just over 3 for the month. While GM Dave Grubb insists that Lee was dangled only with intent of dealing him for an overpriced return, he admits that the greatest move this team may have ended up making was actually standing firm and holding onto Peoria’s ace.

With Peoria eliminated from playoff contention yet again, Lee’s magical season has single-handedly kept Peoria fans interested, and the turnstiles moving. Cliff Lee has made it next to impossible for critics, voters, and EHCC fans to ignore his production. With a league best 18 wins, and 2.43 ERA to go along with a freakishly K:BB rate of almost 5.5, Lee has put himself front and center in the discussion for the best SP in the EHCC this season; truly amazing individual stats pitching for a team well under .500.

Lee himself readily admits that the individual accolades are nice. At the age of 29 he has proven to be a late bloomer, but his lengthy path to success continues to be a lesson in humility for young studs such as Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and company. With a full off season to work with Peoria’s young assets, this organization feels as though the Cardinals will be ready for a playoff push as soon as next season. Cliff Lee has truly helped change the landscape of this teams once atrocious pitching void.

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EHSPN: Monsters Big Pick Up

Rejoice! Monster fans, your favorite team didn't make any moves at the deadline, which I'm sure everyone is so surprised, what the team did do is hang on to Francisco 'Lights Out' Liriano. Who is poised to be the biggest pick up of this trading season.

After an abysmal start to the year, posting an 11.32 ERA in 3 starts, Liriano was sent down to regain the confidence he once had prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. After correcting his problems in the minors, posting a 3.43 ERA and striking out 121 in 123 innings, Liriano has been called up to the big club, and is poised to help a staff who has been mired in mediocrity.

I thought I was ready, and during spring training I started to doubt I'd ever get back to where I was in 06. That doubt in my head was all it took for me to be unsuccessful.

With all doubts cleared, and Liriano's first start this Sunday, the Monsters are hoping he is to be the biggest pick up of the 2008 season, and can ride his coattails all the way to the playoffs, and do some damage in a top heavy season this year.

Throughout the year, the Monsters have exemplified inconsistency, only taking winning streaks to a 2 week maximum. Hoping this call up can right the ship for the last few weeks of the season, the Monsters are pinning all their hopes on the last 5 weeks for their team to pick up the pace and close out the season with a bang.

GM Wally Bachman's stingy approach to raising home grown players, has raised numerous questions to his baseball IQ, as well as his sanity. He hopes that it all comes together, and people can start to understand what his intentions were.

I know all our fans were calling for us to make a trade, to improve our pitching staff, but we just felt like teams were asking far too much for rental players, and unproven rookies with little upside.

So the Monsters will begin their trek towards the ultimate prize, with a focus, and a rejuvenation that will help them finally get over the hump.

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Baseball Tri-Weekly: August Cover 2008

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